Dear GGC Community,
Each Tuesday, I use this message to highlight the people, progress and priorities shaping Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Today, I want to recognize the important role mentorship and professional development play in strengthening our institution and supporting the growth of our people.
Across GGC, many of you serve as mentors, supervisors and leaders who guide colleagues as they grow in their careers. These relationships are essential to building a strong leadership pipeline and ensuring our campus continues to benefit from the talent and dedication of our employees.
Mentorship has been deeply important throughout my own career. I have been fortunate to learn from remarkable leaders who shared their guidance, encouragement and wisdom along the way. Those experiences shaped my commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders. Whether at GGC or through my engagement at the University System of Georgia and at the regional, state and national levels, I remain committed to advancing professional development and helping emerging leaders navigate their careers.
One example of this commitment is our participation in the University System of Georgia’s Great from the Middle (GFTM) program. This leadership development initiative is designed for supervisors and managers who are leading teams and operations across our institutions. The program focuses on those “leading in the middle” — individuals who play a vital role in translating strategy into action while supporting the growth and success of their teams.
GFTM includes six sessions — two in-person and four virtual — and is offered regionally across the University System of Georgia. Each institution nominates participants who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to continued growth.
I am proud to share that 10 GGC colleagues completed the program and graduated March 13, reflecting both personal dedication and the college’s investment in developing leaders across our campus.
Please join me in congratulating the following graduates:
| Great form the Middle Participant | Dialogue Partner |
|---|---|
| Kyle Ball | Dr. Darin Wilson |
| Staci Bisschop | Dr. Matthew Robison |
| Mandy Calhoun | Donell Nixon |
| Eugene Horn | Sloan Jones |
| LaKeisha Hull | Dr. Jann L. Joseph |
| Tia Lloyd | Dr. Chavonda Mills |
| Kristen Montana | Barbara Martell |
| Samantha Paul | Kimberly Jordan |
| Dr. Bianca Singleton | Rebecca Bartlett |
| Meredith Wheeler | Vanessa Snavely |
Participants were supported by dialogue partners who shared guidance throughout the program. I had the privilege of serving as a dialogue partner for LaKeisha Hull, director of New Student Connections, and I appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside her as she reflected on leadership and growth. I also want to thank all of the dialogue partners who contributed their time and experience. Mentorship is truly a two-way exchange, and I hope the experience was as rewarding for them as it was for me.
Programs like GFTM reinforce the importance of mentorship, continuous learning and leadership development. By investing in our people, we strengthen our ability to support students, serve our community and advance the mission of Georgia Gwinnett College.
Warm regards,
Dr. Jann L. Joseph
President, Georgia Gwinnett College